Law firm raises more than $60K for charity

Office more than doubled expected amount

December 23, 2012

MARTINSBURG - Britt Reed Law Offices was successful in its challenge to the community to raise $25,000 for Hospice of the Panhandle's "Building the Dream" campaign - so successful, in fact, that Hospice was able to raise $66,160 through the match, and reach its 2012 year-end goal of $3.5 million.

Terry Britt, of Britt Reed Law Offices, announced in late November that the firm would match, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. In mid-November, Hospice's donors exceeded the challenge, and Britt Reed agreed to increase and match donors' contributions up to $30,000.

"This is such wonderful news," said Hospice Board of Directors chair and campaign chair GT Schramm. "We couldn't be more pleased with this challenge, and how the community responded. Clearly, the law firm was very generous, and the community responded in the way it always does - very generously."

Britt had said at the start of the challenge campaign that he liked the idea of matching gifts, because such appeals often motivate community members to get behind a fundraising effort. During the holiday season last year, Britt Reed made a similar challenge to the West Virginia Community Foundation.

"This opportunity offers the nonprofit - and, really, the donors - a chance to essentially double their money," Britt said. "It's a win-win for everyone. Donors and the nonprofits find that appealing."

On a daily basis, TalkRadio WRNR gave listeners a campaign update to keep them informed of progress, which was helpful, Britt added.

Over the past 3 years, the community has pledged more than $3.5 million to build a 14-bed inpatient hospice unit and administration center that will be constructed on 19 acres of land on the Berkeley-Jefferson county line. The project is currently under construction, which will continue throughout 2013. Opening of the new facilities is estimated in late 2013 or early 2014. Total cost of the project is $11.6 million.

"While we recognize how generous the community has been, we know that there is still more work to do," Schramm said. "Next year will be a busy one for us as well, with the construction under way. We're excited to be able to show community members what they have been able to accomplish."

Donors interested in finding out more or contributing to Hospice of the Panhandle's Building the Dream campaign should call development director Maria Lorensen at (304) 267-1870, extension 205, or (304) 839-6224.